I got a good one for you today!!!!…This recipe is so quick and effortless to make. Put this in the 5 minute or less recipe section of your files. A little bit ago I wrote about my favorite foods for Fall and Winter and I probably listed 3 or 4 foods that had apples involved in the recipe. Foods with apples are favorites of mine that stay at the top of my list. Since this is the beginning of Fall and today’s weather is so reflective of it here in Flint, Michigan I thought I would share this comforting and Effortless Caramel Apple Dip.

Make sure your cream cheese is softened prior to mixing.

And your brown sugar!

Use a large bowl to mix them together with an electric mixer.

Mix in pure vanilla extract next.

Go ahead and give it a taste!….. I did.

This easy peasy dip is a favorite of mine because of its taste and its simplicity. It is very simple to mix this up but, plan to make it a day ahead if you can because it tastes better when served on the next day. Serve with sliced apples, fresh strawberries and crunchy pretzel sticks. You may garnish it with finely chopped peanuts but, I did not because my daughter has a nut allergy and I am always cautious whenever she might be eating anything I make. Feel free to make two batches; one with nuts and one without. Just be sure to label the dishes *with nuts* or *nut free*. Prepare this bowl of cream cheese heaven for your upcoming potlucks, holiday parties or tailgates. You will love, love, love the taste of the blended cream cheese and brown sugar together. And, more than that you won’t believe is basically, that’s all it takes! Smile.

Effortless Creamy Caramel Apple Dip

2 (8oz) bricks of cream cheese softened

1 cup light brown sugar packed

2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

1/4 cup finely chopped peanuts *optional*

Using an electric handheld mixer blend together the cream cheese and brown sugar in a large bowl, on a med-low speed until combined. Add in the pure vanilla extract and mix on low.

Transfer the brown sugar mixture into a serving bowl and garnish with *peanuts* if using. On a complementing serving platter prepare sliced apples and fresh strawberries.

***If making ahead, transfer mixed dip into a plastic container with a lid and refrigerate until ready to serve***

Happy Dipping!

An apple slicer/corer is a life saver. Use this for anything that requires an apple.

Use 2-3 teaspoons of lemon juice to keep your apples from turning brown. They will keep overnight too!

Perfect Slices in the making!

More Slices.

These fresh strawberries are bright red and so sweet! Delicious!

Can’t wait to share this yummy treat with my family!

]]>https://mouthfuloffood.com/2018/10/18/effortless-creamy-caramel-apple-dip/feed/2kmposblI’m sorry but, Donut Bar Detroit is not for me…..https://mouthfuloffood.com/2018/06/19/im-sorry-but-donut-bar-detroit-is-not-for-me/
https://mouthfuloffood.com/2018/06/19/im-sorry-but-donut-bar-detroit-is-not-for-me/#commentsTue, 19 Jun 2018 12:00:21 +0000http://mouthfuloffood.com/?p=2515Everyone has heard their mother say: If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all…. Today I am breaking that rule.

I don’t have a lot of nice things to say regarding my recent visit to Detroit Donut Bar in Southfield. I’ve been holding on to this post for over a week now because, it is something that I did not want to write about. Not like I just did not want to do it but, like: “Man!” “How do I nicely say to the WORLD; I didn’t like Donut Bar Detroit.”? I didn’t know.. I have thought about it since June 9th; the day I went there. There is no choice. I just have to say it. I have to give my honest opinion and, I’m gonna try not to take too long to do it.

So, my stop at the Donut Bar was not even planned. I had not even thought about it that day. My day started at 5:30 am baking 5 dozen of my famous chocolate chip cookies to deliver to an event in Southfield by 10am. I had several other stops to make while I was in the area and while I had not decided on what restaurant or food I would try out that day; I knew there would be at least food encounter before heading back home to Flint.

After I delivered my freshly baked cookies I decided to take the city streets to each place I needed to stop instead of the expressways hoping I would find something edibly interesting while completing my to do list. I drove east on 12 Mile Road, when I hit Southfield Road remembering exactly where I was!! The plaza that houses Donut Bar Detroit!!! I was so excited!!!!… Every time I had been close by in the past the place was either sold out or closed. But, today was my day….. I could buy however many I wanted and no one would ever know because, this was a solo trip. And by the way, let me just say I LOVE LOVE LOVE DONUTS… I know I say that about a lot of different foods but, I really love donuts! I mean there is an art to a good donut. Cake or Yeast, there is an art. You can’t just cut or make some round dough put a hole in it and top it with sugar and frosting and call it a LEGIT donut. NO YOU CAN NOT DO THAT!!! Not with this girl from Flint City… Not from the city where Donna’s Donuts and B & J’s Donuts get made…. Now those are donuts. Donna’s donuts are so good you don’t even regret what they are doing to your arteries, cholesterol or your waistline. What I had on that ill fated donut doomed Saturday was a crime on my taste buds.. I was robbed!! I was deceived!! I was forsaken by bad donuts!

I bought six. Yes six donuts. Don’t. Judge. Me…….I did not plan to eat them all but, I planned to taste them all. And, these were my picks:

Samoa

Fruity Pebbles

Plain Glazed

Salted Caramel

Chocolate Covered

And,Vegan Maple Walnut

I’m gonna save you all some time and some money.. The Vegan Maple Walnut was the best tasting one but, not by much.

To me what seems to be the premise at this “Donut” shop is they take a VERY basic yeast donut and cut them into circle, square or oblong donuts and top them with a variety of different things such as: Fruity Pebbles, Crushed Oreos, Reese’s PB Cups, Coconut and Caramel and other things to make them look DELICIOUS… And they do LOOK delicious. But that’s where it ends for me.

The best thing I can say about this place is that it is definitely trendy, the customer service was great, the place was clean and I liked the decor and set up. If I ever have to go back I can try the coffee. But wait; I don’t drink coffee.

I can’t remember if it was a Saturday or Sunday but, I remember that it was snowing hard outside and I did not want to go anywhere. I was trying to think what we could make to eat for the day and maybe the next day too. My mom and I were sitting at the kitchen table watching the snow fall outside and also watching Food Network’s “The Kitchen” on TV. I think it was a Valentine’s themed episode?? I’m not sure… Although there were probably a few recipes I would’ve liked to try; Sunny Anderson’s recipe was RIGHT. ON. TIME!!! First, it was a chocolate recipe. I love chocolate. Second, it was BROWNIES!!!! Who doesn’t love Brownies?!?! Third, it started with a mix ANNND, I had a mix in my pantry. BOOM. I was in!…. Oh, and Sunny added in some goodies too. Bring it on Michigan Snow Storm #259 of 2018! (haha)……. I’m ready.

It doesn’t matter if it’s snowing outside or not. Stock up on your favorite brownie mix (I’ll show you my favorite in a bit) and a few other items; so when the craving strikes you will be ready for this belly full of greatness. It’s quick and easy to whip up in a moments notice. This is one you will be thanking me for a long time. And that’s just for the sour cream mixture that goes into the brownies. I want to eat it just like ice cream. Just wait, you’ll see.

Sunny’s Sour Cream Swirl Brownies

Ingredients

One 18-ounce box brownie mix (plus the required eggs, oil, & water)

1/2 cup sour cream

2 tablespoons light brown sugar

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon sugar

2 drops vanilla extract

Instructions

Spray a 9×9 baking pan with pan spray or shortening. Line the baking pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper if desired. This will allow easy removal of the brownies after baking. Pre-heat oven to the temperature stated on the box. Prepare the brownie batter according to the package directions, then transfer to a prepared 9×9 square baking dish. Do not bake.

In a small bowl , stir together the sour cream, brown sugar, cinnamon sugar and vanilla. Drop the sour cream mixture randomly around the top of brownie batter. Using a toothpick, skewer or, butter knife drag the sour cream mixture randomly through the brownie batter to make streaks and swirls throughout.

Bake according to the package directions. Cool completely if you can wait. Remove from pan if desired. Slice into serving size portions.

This brownie mix is my most favorite. I keep at least 2 boxes on hand all the time.

You can prepare you pan this way with foil and pan spray; or just with pan spray.

Mix together the eggs, oil and, sugar in a large bowl.

Stir in the brownie mix and chocolate syrup to the mix; if using.

Pour brownie mixture into the prepared pan. Hold on!! Do not bake yet!

This sour cream mixture is heaven. I will now desire this on top on everything.

Dollop the sour cream mixture randomly all over the brownie batter using a soup or cereal spoon.

Use a butter knife to make swirls through the brownie batter.

Bake the brownie batter for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean when tested.

Let brownies cool completely and remove from pan.

Slice into desired serving size and enjoy.

Sunny’s Sour Cream Swirl Brownies

Don’t forget to let me know when you try these out! Leave your comment here on the blog or give me a shout out on Facebook @ Kim Cherie’s Mouthful of Food, or Instagram and twitter @mouthfuloffood.

Can’t wait to here from you!

xoxox

Kim Cherie

]]>https://mouthfuloffood.com/2018/04/09/i-tried-it-i-loved-it-sunny-andersons-sour-cream-swirl-brownies/feed/2kmposbl7 Ways to Celebrate Valentines Day When You’re Single & Red Velvet Cupcakeshttps://mouthfuloffood.com/2018/02/11/7-ways-to-celebrate-valentines-day-when-youre-single-red-velvet-cupcakes/
https://mouthfuloffood.com/2018/02/11/7-ways-to-celebrate-valentines-day-when-youre-single-red-velvet-cupcakes/#commentsSun, 11 Feb 2018 13:00:58 +0000http://mouthfuloffood.com/?p=2308Valentines Day is approaching super fast. I’m sure the ones who are lucky in love are trying to figure out what to get each other and are planning the perfect date…. But, what if your not lucky in love and looking at Valentines Day as a sad reminder that you are “Single” party of 1? I’m going to give you seven ways to celebrate and enjoy Valentines day and make it one to remember!

Self- care day: All Day, make it all about you. Even if you have to go to work that day. Dress up, wear that outfit and shoes you’ve been holding onto for that one special event that you don’t even have in your planner yet. Treat your-self to goodies all workday: Starbucks or McDonald’s fries and a coke are some ideas. While you’re at work plan your after work events: Do you want your nails done or maybe a massage? Do it!!! Finally, take your self out to dinner. Yes, everyone will be out and all coupled up and that can sometimes be depressing but, don’t even think about that. Every thought you create on your Valentines Day should be only amazing thoughts about you!! What makes you great? Say it and claim it!!! Are you awesome at baking, do you have great style? Think that! How awesome are you at accomplishing your life goals? Are you crushin’ it? That’s the bomb!!! You should be totally pumped about that! So just make this “ME” Day. Because it’s all about you!!!

Send physical Valentine’s Day cards to everyone that you love (not romantically):Send to your mom, dad, sister, brother, grandparents and/or BFF’s. That’s right, go to the store and buy several Valentines Cards picking each one out especially for that loved one. Then sign the card, address the envelope and stick a real stamp on it and put it in the mail! How classic is getting a hand written letter or card in the mail? How special is the person on the receiving end going to feel? Very. Which in turn will make you feel special too. Send some love in the mail. Boom!

Spend some time with an elderly loved one for Valentines Day: Create a memory with them or listen intently while they share their’s. That’s really something special.

Create a Valentines Day wish list with your Girls over cocktails or mocktails: So, make your significant other wish list; I’ll start: Intelligent, attractive, motivated, christian and God-fearing, employed or self-employed (making money) and, able to hold a great conversation. That’s just for starters….

Take yourself on that dream date you’ve always wanted to go on: Is it to a fancy restaurant or going to listen to live music in an intimate setting or, is it a trip to the museum you’ve never been to and the little 24 hour coney island/breakfast spot in the college district? Do it girl!! What’s stopping you? Go. Something serendipitous might just happen.

Make a romantic dinner at home: Just for YOU! Make your favorite whatever!! Get your ingredients from the store and turn on that iPad and stream your best-loved tv show or movie. Light some candles, pour some wine and enjoy YOU! Celebrate you. Oh! Don’t forget dessert! Try the recipe below for Easy and Delicious Red Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Icing

Shoot your shot (Take a chance): If he’s single, why not? But, be cool. Just let him know you think he’s pretty dope and you want to wish him a Happy Valentines Day.

Easy and Delicious Red Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Icing

Ingredients for cupcakes

1 package boxed German Chocolate cake mix with pudding

1 cup sour cream

½ cup water

¼ cup vegetable or corn oil

2 tablespoons or 1 bottle (1 ounce) red food coloring

3 large eggs

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Directions

Pre heat oven to 350°. Place 18-21 cupcake or muffin liners in the muffin pans. In a large bowl mix together the eggs, oil and, water with a heavy wire whisk or electric mixer. Next add in the cake mix, sour cream, vanilla extract and, red food coloring stir together with wire whisk until combined or on low for 30-60 seconds if using mixer (batter may have a few small lumps).

Using a portion scoop and rubber spatula fill each muffin cup with cake batter. You should end up with 18-21 cupcakes. Bake the cupcakes in the oven for 15-18 minutes. The cupcakes are ready when the tops spring right back when lightly touched on top. Do not over bake.

When the cupcakes are done, remove from oven and cool in the pans for 15 minutes. Remove the cupcakes from the pans and let cool completely; about 1 hour. In the mean time make the icing.

Ingredients for icing

½ cup or 1 stick salted butter at room temperature

1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese at room temperature

1 pound box confectioners sugar

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

½ teaspoon salt

Directions

In a medium to large bowl blend together the softened butter and cream cheese. Add in half the confectioners sugar and mix on the lowest speed so the sugar won’t splatter everywhere. Next, pour in the remaining powdered sugar and the vanilla extract and mix again on the lowest speed till all sugar is incorporated. Add in salt and stir the mixer on the highest speed for 1 minute to make light and fluffy.

***Feel free to add in some food coloring if desired change the color of your icing for a little flare.***

Happy Valentines Day no matter how you decide to spend it. I hope you get some ideas from this post and try out these yummy cupcakes! Send me a picture in the comments if you do. And, let me know how you did spend Valentines.

If you like this post and/or others, please share with your friends and family. Let me know in the comments if you have questions on any of the recipes or other posts on mouthfuloffood.com.

Thank you so much for reading, liking and sharing,

Kim Cherie

Follow me on FB, Instagram, and Twitter @ mouthfuloffood

Here’s some pictures of the cupcakes being made…..

This recipe whips up in like 5 minutes!

Put the eggs, oil and, water together in a large bowl.

Scramble together lightly.

Add in the cake mix, sour cream, food coloring and vanilla extract.

Stir again until all ingredients are incorporated.

I picked up these silver liners from a cake and candy supply store. And, you can get a portion scoop from your restaurant supply store.

Bake the cupcakes 15-18 minutes. Using a portion scoop makes your baked goods come out the same size.

They should look just like this when done. Can’t wait to bite into one!!

Now lets make the icing!

In a medium to large bowl mix together the cream cheese and butter.

Mix in the confectioners sugar and vanilla extract.

Stir in salt last. (I need something to cut the sweetness a little)

And, if you want separate a little icing in a small bowl with a drop of food coloring to change the color.